5 Factors That Affect a Woman’s Sex Drive

Is “Man-opause” Real? If It So, What is It?

Andropause: The male side of age-related hormonal changes

It’s true – men often experience hormonal changes as they get older – but is it really fair to compare it to menopause? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Female menopause and so-called male menopause are two different situations.” While there are some parallels, the difference between what some doctors refer to as “andropause” and menopause are dramatic. In women, hormone production stops almost completely over a short period of time. For men, the changes are significantly more gradual, and, in most cases, androgen (male sex hormones such as testosterone) production doesn’t cease entirely.

What causes andropause?

As early as 19 years old, testosterone levels may begin to slowly decline, typically around 1% each year. By approximately age 40, symptoms of hormonal depletion may manifest – however, each man’s body is different. Men in their 50s and up are most likely to experience andropause. In addition to natural aging, medications and health conditions such as depression, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, and alcohol consumption are known to contribute to low testosterone levels.

Are you experiencing man-opause?

Blood tests are required to properly diagnose andropause. However, recognizing the symptoms can help men understand when it’s time to see a doctor. Here’s what to keep an eye out for: Sexual dysfunction. Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and testicular shrinkage may result from lower circulatory levels of testosterone. Bodily changes. Testosterone helps burn fat and build muscles. As testosterone levels drop, body fat may increase, while muscles and bone density atrophy. In addition, some men may experience tender or swollen breasts, loss of body hair, fatigue, and, in rare occasions, hot flashes. Sleep disturbances. Low testosterone can disrupt normal sleep patterns. The symptoms vary; some men may have trouble falling or staying asleep, while others may feel sleepier than normal. Mental changes. Depression, lack of motivation, insecurity, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness might be signs of andropause.

Can andropause be treated?

Correcting testosterone depletion seems simple: just replace it. While replacement therapy is very helpful for some men, it’s not always recommended for treating andropause. In some patients, testosterone treatments can lead to sleep apnea, prostate and prostate cancer growth, or other complications. Consult with a physician to find out if replacement will benefit you. Fortunately, there are some effective natural remedies that can influence andropause:

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can help mitigate some of the symptoms of man-opause. These fatty acids, found in most fish, promote cardiovascular health and fight inflammation.

Exercise. Exerting your body on a regular bases can improve testosterone levels, help with sleep, and create a general sense of well-being. Furthermore, a lack of exercise is thought to contribute to andropause.

Stress management. Emotional imbalances are often associated with lower testosterone levels. Meditation, relaxing hobbies, exercise, etc., can help control some of the symptoms associated with man-opause.

Living clean. Your body’s a machine, and its performance is directly related to what you put into it. If you think you’re experiencing andropause, talk to your doctor about any medications you might be taking. Smokers and heavy alcohol users should consider cutting back or quitting entirely to help counter the effects of age related hormonal changes.

Stay lean. Fat cells, especially around the midsection, impede testosterone production and can enhance estrogen. Excessive body fat can disrupt the balance between these two hormones, thus leading to many of the symptoms of andropause.

An additional boost (that’s not testosterone)

The bottom line: Lower testosterone levels are a natural part of the aging process, and there are methods that attenuate the effects of andropause and how it influences performance in the bedroom. There is also another way to boost flagging performance that has nothing to do with hormone production: Low-intensity shockwave therapy can help revitalize a man’s sex life. These sound wave treatments are highly effective at treating ED through the removal of plaques and the promotion of new blood vessels and erectile tissue growth. These regenerative properties have also been shown to improve sexual performance in men not suffering from ED. Shockwave treatment for sexual dysfunction is relatively new in this country – GAINSWave is the first and only standardized protocol for sexual performance-related shockwave therapy the US. The GAINSWave method is based on over 40 successful clinical studies, plus it’s non-invasive and virtually free of side effects. For more information on this revolutionary treatment, we encourage you to connect with us online.